Megatrax Blog

Megatrax VP of Business Affairs, Leisa Korn

I had the pleasure of participating in the Billboard Hollywood Reporter Film & TV Conference last month. I was part of the speed networking session during which composers and songwriters had 3 minutes to pick my brain about music publishing and film/TV placements. After meeting the challenge of trying to impart as much information as possible to each attendee, I realized that many fledgling composers need basic music publishing guidance as much as they need that first big break. Given that autumn is in full swing and we’ve pulled out our winter wardrobes and blankets in anticipation of cold breezes to come, it seems like a good time to curl up with a warm cup of cocoa and a few good books on the subject of “music publishing 101.”

The short list that I am going to recommend, along with other learning opportunities, is actually an accumulation of suggestions from my peers at Megatrax, various music supervisors, composer agents, copyright attorneys, successful film/TV composers and ASCAP/BMI colleagues. It was almost unanimous that anyone thinking of a career in music read “All You Need to Know About the Music Business” by Don Passman. Attorneys especially like to recommend this one as it translates legal mumbo jumbo into plain terms.  Next on the list is “Music, Money and Success: The Insider’s Guide to Making Money in the Music Business” by Jeffrey Brabec and Todd Brabec. Their website also features easy to understand articles on what is currently taking place in the music industry. If you live in or around Los Angeles, UCLA Extension offers my favorite course in music publishing which is taught by attorney and humorist Steve Winogradsky. Music Publishing: Law and Business. This is just one of several great courses offered by UCLA to the general public and taught by professionals in the music business. Check out their entire offering at https://www.uclaextension.edu/r/ProgramDetails.aspx?reg=CF552.

ASCAP; BMI; & SESAC all provide fantastic learning opportunities throughout the year and the programs are presented and sponsored by the best that the music industry has to offer. Each of their websites contains a wealth of general information to help you on the road to success. Other associations to check out include The California Copyright Conference (The CCC);  Association of Independent Music Publishers (the AIMP); and National Association of Record Industry Professionals (NARIP) Not only do they present informative and timely  panel discussions, but the variety of attendees makes their events a great networking opportunity for anyone looking for a career in music.

This list is by no means complete, but as someone who has had a long and diverse career in the music industry, I am confident that the books and organizations I have referenced will be a great start to obtaining a well rounded education about how the music industry works. Each of them will lead you to many more resources to explore.

So start your research today…that large pile of autumn leaves will still be there for you to rake up tomorrow!

Another terrific post from the Megatrax Crew